Haematology" do you know why platelet count drops and what it reflects?

Question

Is the problem curable?

according to Lab test: WBC count is 6.1; RBC is 5.11; the platelet count is 61 while 10 days ago, the same count is 106

it was found by lab test that the platelet clumped during the test but not while in the body. Test conducted immediately after draw showed 234 count. But why it clumped?

Answer 1

The platelet count drops for only three reasons:

1. the bone marrow isnt making enough: this hapens in marrow failure and in some viral infections

2. the platelets are getting used up: this hapens in autoimmune diseases, and in thrombotic (clot forming) conditions, and also in over whelming infections

3. the platelets are being hidden somewhere: like in an enlarged spleen.

The significance depends entirely on which of these is the cause. Most doctors know how to work up a low platelet count- go see one.

Answer 2

Your platelets could be affected by medication. I've seen this happen to a patient on penicillin and an employee that worked in the recovery room that was exposed to second hand anesthesia. Are you taking anything new? There are soo many things that can affect these little cells. The count while low, is not too bad. Signs to look for when you have a low platelet count is excessive or prolonged bleeding or excessive bruises. If you have any of these problems see your health care practitioner right away.

Answer 3

Hematology: This could happen for a number of reasons

1) Damage to stem cells that make platelet

2) Viral Infection

3) Damaged bone marrow not enough thrombopoietin which is a hormone that stimulates platelet, there can how ever be enought thrombopoietin and enough stem cells but for some reason they do work together

4) Pregnant women sometimes acquire low platelets through a complication called "HELLP" Hemolysis Elevated Liver (enlarged liver) and Low Platelet which can be deadly.

Thrombo (blood clots)
cyto (cell)
penia (deficiency, lacking or less than)

Hope this helps